Sex Seeking Spiders Invade UK Homes

It might sound like something from a horror film, but families can expect to find gigantic spiders invading their homes in the next few months as the washout summer weather drives arachnids indoors.

Sightings have already begun around the country, with people discovering spiders in their homes that are so large, they are setting off their house alarms.

Andy Taylor from Heywood, Manchester reported that he was only alerted to the presence of gigantic spiders in his family home when they set off his burglar alarm. Reports have also come from Liverpool, with Stacey Pearson discovering two spiders that were as big as her hand.

Experts believe that male spiders are heading indoors for warmth and to begin their search for a mate to breed with. More worryingly, spiders are expected to lay around 100 eggs each time, an awful thought for spider-haters everywhere.

Pest consultant, Clive Boase explains why so many spiders head indoors around September time. "Sightings of spiders often peak from September as males of many species reach adulthood and venture into homes in search of a mate, but we could be seeing a lot more than normal over the next month or two."

With spider season upon us, here are some tips to keep the eight-legged horrors out of the house.

Keep your house clean, and air rooms regularly. Spiders love dark, cluttered places, don't give them somewhere to make a home. Vacuum and dust regularly.

Keep blinds and curtains open in the day as spiders don't like light rooms.

Use essential oils. Strong scents such as lavender, rose, peppermint and tea tree can deter spiders. Spray window sills, corners of the room and skirting boards regularly to keep spiders at bay.